Actuating wheel assembly for inline roller skate

ABSTRACT

An actuating wheel assembly for inline roller skates includes a wheel frame, a plurality of pivot axles in turn mounted on the wheel frame and arranged in a successive manner, and a plurality of rollers each rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of the pivot axles. In practice, at least one roller is adjustably positioned on the respective pivot axle so that the rollers are located on one motional line or located on multiple different motional lines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuating wheel assembly for inline roller skates. 2. Description of the Related Prior Art

[0002] Inline skates are initially built for adults, however, most children would buy roller skates and learn to skate on these more stable versions. The conventional inline skate allows variable wheel positions. These variances deal only with a change in the steering by adding “rocker” or similar effect to improve steering response.

[0003] A conventional inline roller skate in accordance with the prior art shown in FIGS. 4-6 comprises a wheel irame 11 secured on the bottom of a boot 10, and four rollers 12 arranged in the same motional line 13. However, the inline roller skate only includes one motional line 13 whereby the four rollers 12 are rotated and moved on the ground along the single motional line 13 so that the contact area between the rollers 12 and the ground is not large enough, thereby limiting the balance and stability of the inline roller skate. In addition, the four rollers 12 are arranged in the same linear motional line 13, and cannot be adjusted freely according to the requirements of the user, thereby decreasing the versatility of the inline roller skate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actuating wheel assembly for inline skates comprising an adjustment of positions of wheels in relation to a single motion line, in a substantial enough range to positively effect the stability of an inline skate, thereby improving the usability by a new or inexperienced skater.

[0005] The contact area of the wheels with the ground is variable, thereby allowing a shift in mode from single running line to two or more. The point of adjustment exists anywhere that can effect the position of the contact patch of the wheels. The actuating wheel assembly relates to the contact point, and not specifically the adjustment method. The optimal range of this adjustment includes a substantial enough width to effectively improve the roll stability of the skate. The optimal range is between 1 mm and 24 mm. The preferred optimal range is within the range of 12 to 20 mm.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an actuating wheel assembly for inline roller skates comprising a wheel frame; a plurality of pivot axles in turn mounted on the wheel frame and arranged in a successive manner; and a plurality of rollers each rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of the pivot axles.

[0007] By such an arrangement, at least one roller is adjustably positioned on the respective pivot axle so that the rollers are located on one motional line or located on multiple different motional lines.

[0008] An objective of the present invention is to provide an actuating wheel assembly which includes a plurality of rollers arranged along multiple different motional lines, thereby enhancing the balance and stability of the roller skate.

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating wheel assembly further comprises at least one annular adjusting member mounted on one of the pivot axles and abutting the respective roller for positioning the respective roller at a predetermined position on the pivot axle.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the actuating wheel assembly further comprises at least one adjusting member mounted on the wheel frame and abutting one of the rollers for positioning the roller at a predetermined position on the pivot axle.

[0011] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the actuating wheel assembly further comprises at least one adjusting member integrally formed on one of the pivot axles and abutting the respective roller for positioning the respective roller at a predetermined position on the pivot axle.

[0012] Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional inline roller skate in accordance with the prior art;

[0014]FIG. 1A shows a symmetrical steering profile of the conventional inline roller skate of the prior art;

[0015]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an actuating wheel assembly for roller skates in accordance with the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly as shown in FIG. 2;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a schematic operational assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly as shown in FIG. 2;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a schematic operational assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly as shown in FIG. 2;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a partially cut-away top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023]FIG. 10 is a partially cut-away top plan assembly view of the actuating wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 11 shows a steering profile of the actuating wheel assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIGS. 2 and 3, an actuating wheel assembly for inline roller skates in accordance with the present invention comprises a wheel frame 21 secured on a bottom of the boot 20 of the roller skate, a plurality of pivot axles 221, 222, 223 and 224 in turn mounted on the wheel frame 21 and arranged in a successive manner, and a plurality of rollers 311, 312, 313 and 314 each rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of the pivot axles 221, 222, 223 and 224 and each defining an axial hole 32.

[0026] By such an arrangement, at least one roller is adjustably positioned on the respective pivot axle so that the rollers are located on one motional line or located on multiple different motional lines. The actuating wheel assembly further comprises at least one adjusting member mounted on one of the pivot axles and abutting the respective roller for positioning the respective roller at a predetermined position on the pivot axle.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the actuating wheel assembly comprises a first pivot axle 221, a second pivot axle 222, a third pivot axle 223 and a fourth pivot axle 224 in turn mounted on the wheel frame 21 and arranged in a successive manner, a first roller 311 rotatably mounted on the first pivot axle 221, a second roller 312 rotatably mounted on the second pivot axle 222, a third roller 313 rotatably mounted on the third pivot axle 223, and a fourth roller 314 rotatably mounted on the fourth pivot axle 224.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the first roller 311 and the third roller 313 are located on a first motional line 401, and the second roller 312 and the fourth roller 314 are located on a second motional line 402.

[0029] The actuating wheel assembly comprises two first adjusting rings 331 mounted on the first pivot axle 221 and abutting the first roller 311 for positioning the first roller 311 at a predetermined position on the first pivot axle 221 to align with the first motional line 401, two second adjusting rings 332 mounted on the second pivot axle 222 and abutting the second roller 312 for positioning the second roller 312 at a predetermined position on the second pivot axle 222 to align with the second motional line 402, two third adjusting rings 333 mounted on the third pivot axle 223 and abutting the third roller 313 for positioning the third roller 313 at a predetermined position on the third pivot axle 223 to align with the first motional line 401, and two fourth adjusting rings 334 mounted on the fourth pivot axle 224 and abutting the fourth roller 314 for positioning the fourth roller 314 at a predetermined position on the fourth pivot axle 224 to align with the second motional line 402.

[0030] In such a manner, the roller skate includes two motional lines 401 and 402 as shown in FIG. 3 whereby the four rollers 311, 312, 313 and 314 are rotated and moved on the ground along the two motional lines 401 and 402, thereby greatly increasing the contact area between the rollers 311, 312, 313 and 314 and the ground so as to enhance the balance and stability of the roller skate.

[0031] When the roller skate is turned or moved on a curved surface along a leftward direction as shown in FIG. 4, only the first roller 311 and the third roller 313 are in contact with the ground, thereby shortening the turning radius of the roller skate, wherein the turning radius is defined by a distance between the first roller 311 and the third roller 313.

[0032] Alternatively, when the roller skate is turned or moved on a curved surface along a rightward direction as shown in FIG. 5, only the second roller 312 and the fourth roller 314 are in contact with the ground, thereby shortening the turning radius of the roller skate, wherein the turning radius is defined by a distance between the second roller 312 and the fourth roller 314.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the first roller 311 and the fourth roller 314 are located on the first motional line 401, and the second roller 312 and the third roller 313 are located on the second motional line 402.

[0034] When the roller skate is turned or moved on a curved surface along a leftward direction, only the first roller 311 and the fourth roller 314 are in contact with the ground, and when the roller skate is turned or moved on a curved surface along a rightward direction, only the second roller 312 and the third roller 313 are in contact with the ground.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 7, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the first roller 311 is located on the first motional line 401, and the second roller 312, the third roller 313 and the fourth roller 314 are located on the second motional line 402 and are arranged in a linear manner so that the roller skate can function as an inline roller skate.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the fourth roller 314 is located on the first motional line 401, and the first roller 311, the second roller 312 and the third roller 313 are located on the second motional line 402 and are arranged in a linear manner so that the roller skate can function as an inline roller skate.

[0037] Alternatively, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the first roller 311, the second roller 312, the third roller 313, and the fourth roller 314 are located on the same motional line.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 9, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivot axle 52 is mounted in the wheel frame 50, and the adjusting member 53 is integrally formed on the pivot axle 52 and abuts the roller 51 for positioning the roller 51 at a predetermined position on the pivot axle 52.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 10, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the pivot axle 52 is mounted in the wheel frame 50, and the adjusting member 53 is secured on the wheel frame 50 and abuts the roller 51 for positioning the roller 51 at a predetermined position on the pivot axle 52.

[0040] In conclusion, the present invention is provided to protect the adjustment of wheel position (not wheels) in relation to a single motion line, in a substantial enough range to positively effect the stability of an inline skate, thereby improving the usability by a new or inexperienced skater. This adjustment can or could happen anvwhere within the wheel, skate, or chassis.

[0041] Accordingly, the present invention can be used to increase the stability of the skate in resisting unplanmed or unwanted “roll” as is found in the conventional skate as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the present invention allows the improvement of this anti roll stability to better allow inexperienced skaters to maintain the stability that is normally found in “roller skates”, while still allowing a change in mode to “inline” for greater performance without replacing the skate.

[0042] Further, according to the present invention, the contact area of the wheels with the ground is variable, thereby allowing a shift in mode from single running line to two or more. The point of adjustment exists anywhere that can effect the position of the contact patch of the wheels. The present invention relates to the contact point, and not specifically the adjustment method.

[0043] Further, according to the present invention, the optimal range of this adjustment includes a substantial enough width to effectively improve the roll stability of the skate. This optimal range is between 1 mm and 24 mm, with the preferred width being within the range of 12-20 mm.

[0044] In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the actuating wheel assembly for inline skates comprises wheels mounted on multiple angular axes of rotation.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 11 with reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 11 shows a steering profile of the actuating wheel assembly, while FIG. 1A shows a symmetrical steering profile of the conventional inline roller skate of the prior art. According to the present invention, the range is maintained constant. The steering profile remains constant, but the range is fixed in the form of the wheel. The steering profile of the present invention is equal to the prior art symmetrical wheel above in relation to the boot centerline.

[0046] In addition, in the symmetrical steering profile of the prior art as shown in FIG. 1A, the boot centrline (B.C.L) is equal to the wheel centerline (W.C.L.), while in the assymmetrical steering profile of the present invention as shown in FIG. 11, the boot centrline (B.C.L) is not equal to the wheel centerline (W.C.L.), and the optimal range is from 12 to 20 mm.

[0047] It should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An actuating wheel assembly for inline skates comprising an adjustment of positions of wheels in relation to a single motion line, in a substantial enough range to positively effect the stability of an inline skate, thereby improving the usability by a new or inexperienced skater.
 2. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the contact area of the wheels with the ground is variable, thereby allowing a shift in mode from one single running line to two or more.
 3. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the point of adjustment exists anywhere that can effect the position of the contact patch of the wheels.
 4. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the actuating wheel assembly relates to the contact point, and not specifically the adjustment method.
 5. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the optimal range of this adjustment includes a substantial enough width to effectively improve the roll stability of the skate.
 6. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the optimal range is between 1 mm and 24 mm.
 7. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein the preferred optimal range is within the range of 12 to 20 mm.
 8. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the wheels are located on at least one motional line or located on multiple different motional lines.
 9. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said actuating wheel assembly comprises: a wheel frame; a plurality of pivot axles in turn mounted on said wheel frame and arranged in a successive manner; and a plurality of rollers each rotatably mounted on a corresponding one of said pivot axles; wherein, at least one roller is adjustably positioned on said respective pivot axle so that said rollers are located on at least one motional line or located on multiple different motional lines.
 10. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 9, further comprising at least one annular adjusting member mounted on one of said pivot axles and abutting said respective roller for positioning said respective roller at a predetermined position on said pivot axle.
 11. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 9, further comprising at least one adjusting member mounted on said wheel frame and abutting one of said rollers for positioning said roller at a predetermined position on said pivot axle.
 12. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 9, further comprising at least one adjusting member integrally formed on one of said pivot axles and abutting said respective roller for positioning said respective roller at a predetermined position on said pivot axle.
 13. An actuating wheel assembly for inline skates comprising asymmetric wheels mounted in a substantial enough range to positively effect and increase the stability of an inline skate, thereby improving the usability by a new or inexperienced skater.
 14. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein the optimal range is between 1 mm and 24 mm.
 15. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein some of the asymmetric wheels are located opposite to each other.
 16. The actuating wheel assembly in accordance with claim 13, wherein the asymmetric wheels comprises a first wheel, a second wheel, a third wheel located opposite to the first wheel, and a fourth wheel located opposite to the second wheel.
 17. An actuating wheel assembly for inline skates comprising wheels mounted on multiple angular axes of rotation. 